Why are Xiaomi users looking for a replacement for Google Pay?
Google Pay has long been the standard for contactless payments on Android, but Xiaomi smartphone owners often face problems: the application may not be supported on some models (especially in China), blocked by banks or simply work unstable.
In Russia and several other countries, Google Pay officially stopped supporting bank cards from March 2022, forcing millions of users to look for alternatives. ROM on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, the chances of service performance are minimal. In this article, we will analyze 10 proven payment methods from Xiaomi smartphone - from branded solutions to universal wallets, and also tell you how to choose the best option for your tasks.
It is important to note that not all alternatives support NFC-We've tested every option on the latest firmware. MIUI 14 and HyperOS to give an honest assessment of their capabilities.
1.Mi Pay – a proprietary solution from Xiaomi
Mi Pay is Xiaomi’s official payment service integrated into the ecosystem MIUI. It supports contactless payments through NFC, But there are nuances: the service works only on smartphones with global or Chinese firmware (on the European version may not be), and Mi Pay is tied to Chinese banks, so Russian cards will require a workaround.
To set up Mi Pay on Xiaomi:
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone supports NFC (Check in the settings → Connections → NFC).
- 🔍 Download. APK-Mi Pay file from a trusted source (e.g. APKCombo).
- 💳 Add a card via a virtual number (like Revolut or Tinkoff with Google Pay support).
- 🔄 Restart your phone after adding a card.
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If Mi Pay doesn’t see the card, try changing the region in your smartphone settings to India or Singapore – in these countries the service is more stable.
Cons of Mi Pay:
- ⚠️ Limited support for Russian banks.
- ⚠️ Requires manual installation APK firmware.
- ⚠️ Can block maps due to geolocation.
2.Samsung Pay is a universal option for Xiaomi
Despite the fact that Samsung Pay was developed for Samsung devices, it can be installed on Xiaomi smartphones through the APK. Service supports NFC-payment MST (It's a technology that can work with obsolete terminals, which makes it one of the most reliable options:
- 📲 Smartphone with NFC (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60).
- 🔐 Samsung account (can be created via browser).
- 🛡️ Play Protect disabled in Google settings (otherwise) APK will be blocked).
Installation instructions:
- Download the latest version of Samsung Pay with APKMirror.
- Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources.
- Launch the app and log in through your Samsung account.
- Add a card (supported by Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
Why Samsung Pay may not work on Xiaomi
The advantages of Samsung Pay:
- ✅ It works with most Russian banks.
- ✅ Support MST (payments at old terminals).
- ✅ High level of security (tokenization of cards).
3. SberPay – the optimal solution for Sberbank customers
If you use Sberbank cards, SberPay will be the perfect replacement for Google Pay. NFC It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 8.0+. The main advantage is that no additional installation is required. APK: Just download the official application from Google Play or RuStore.
How to set up SberPay:
- Install the SberBank Online application.
- Sign in and go to the SberPay section.
- Follow the instructions for linking the card.
- Activate the default payment option in the settings NFC.
SberPay's restrictions:
- ⚠️ It only works with Sberbank cards.
- ⚠️ Requires an active Internet for first authorization.
Install the latest version of Sberbank Online|
Turn on NFC smartphone-setting|
Connect to mobile internet or Wi-Fi|
Have a physical card with you to confirm|-->
4. Alternative wallets: Tinkoff Pay, VTB Pay, Alpha-Click
Many Russian banks have released their own payment solutions that can be used instead of Google Pay.-3 variant:
| Service | Supported banks | NFC required | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkoff Pay | Tinkoff, Gazprombank | ✅ Yes. | It works without internet after setting up |
| VTB Pay | VTB, Opening | ✅ Yes. | Support for virtual maps |
| Alpha-Click | Alfa-Bank | ✅ Yes. | Integration with the bonus program |
To set up any of these services:
- Download the official bank application.
- Log in and find the Contactless Payments section.
- Follow the instructions for linking the card.
- Set the default payment service in the settings NFC.
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Bank wallets (SberPay, Tinkoff Pay) are more reliable than universal solutions, as they undergo strict certification of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and support all current security standards.
5. Virtual cards and cryptocurrency wallets
If you need anonymity or you travel frequently, consider virtual cards and cryptocurrency solutions:
- 💳 Revolut – virtual cards with support for Google Pay (works through workarounds).
- 💰 Binance Pay – cryptocurrency payment in supported stores.
- 🌍 Skrill – an international wallet with virtual cards.
To use Revolut on Xiaomi:
- Download the Revolut app and order a virtual card.
- Add it to Samsung Pay or Mi Pay (if supported).
- Use it to pay through NFC or QR-code.
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Revolut and Skrill virtual cards can be linked to PayPal for payment in foreign stores where Russian cards do not work.
Risks of virtual cards:
⚠️ Note: Some banks block virtual card transfers because of suspected fraud.
6.Payments through QR-codes: SBP and other systems
If your Xiaomi smartphone does not support you NFC (Like Redmi. 10A or POCO M5), The alternative would be to pay for QR-In Russia, the system of fast payments (SBP), which allows you to transfer money by phone number or QR-commissionless.
How to pay through SBP:
- Open your bank’s application (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff).
- Find the Payments section → SBP.
- Scan it. QR-terminal code or enter the recipient's phone number.
- Confirm payment.
Advantages QR-payment:
- ✅ It works on any smartphone (even without it). NFC).
- ✅ Low commissions or their absence.
- ✅ Support for most Russian shops.
7. Cloud wallets: UMoney, Qiwi, WebMoney
Cloud wallets are suitable for payment on the Internet or transferring funds between users.
| Service | Translation commission | Support for maps | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| YuMoney | 0–0.6% | ✅ Yes (bank card binding) | Quick phone number translations |
| Qiwi | 0–2% | ✅ Yes. | Support for cryptocurrency |
| WebMoney | 0.8% | ❌ No. | Multi-currency accounts |
For payment via YuMoney:
- Download the YuMoney app and register.
- Link the bank card in the section Wallets.
- Use your wallet balance to pay in partner stores.
⚠️ Note: Cloud wallets do not support contactless payments through NFC. They are only suitable for online purchases or transfers.
8.Conclusion: which service to choose?
Choosing a Google Pay alternative on Xiaomi depends on your goals:
- 🏦 For offline payments: SberPay (if you have a Sberbank card) or Samsung Pay (universal option).
- 🌐 For international purchases: Revolut or Skrill.
- 📱 For smartphones without NFC: SBP or YuMoney.
- 🔒 For maximum security: Mi Pay (if you can configure) or bank wallets.
Before installing any service, check:
- ✅ Compatible with your Xiaomi model (for example, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T).
- ✅ Supporting your bank.
- ✅ Presence NFC (if you need a contactless payment).
If you travel frequently, we recommend you to install two payment services: one for Russia (for example, SberPay), the other for foreign purchases (Revolut or Samsung Pay).